Hailia Funding News- Finnish FoodTech Startup Hailia Secures €1.75 Million Funding

The round saw participation from new investors Holdix and Ikorni Invest, as well as a mix of returning and fresh backers. Hailia also announced strategic partnerships: one with Finnish seafood processor Kalavapriikki to support international licensing of its tech, and another with Danish engineering firm Dana Technology, which will serve as a key technology partner.

“Using sidestreams for human food used to be a nice-to-have, but now it’s an industry must-have. Comparing conversations with processors at trade shows last year to this year, we see a huge uptick in interest, not for the future but for right now. Having Kalavapriikki and Dana Technology invested in our future gives us the confidence and means to seize these opportunities that we already know are there,” says Michaela Lindström, CEO of Hailia.

Hailia not only produces its own seafood products but also licenses its technology to international fish processors. Backed by investors like Nordic Foodtech VC, Heino Group Oy, and Tradeka-sijoitus Oy, the company is growing its reach across the industry.

Read Also - Oslo-based Norwegian Energy Startup ONiO Secures €5 Million Funding

In 2024, Hailia launched its first product—pulled rainbow trout—through a partnership with Kalavapriikki and Finnish retail giant S-Group. It also released products for food service and industrial kitchens in collaboration with Hätälä. Kalavapriikki has licensed Hailia’s tech and markets the products under its brand, while Hailia handles production.

Currently, Hailia holds exclusive rights for seafood use of its technology and is in talks with several international salmonoid, pelagic, and whitefish producers to expand licensing.

“We have seen the impact of Hailia’s technology in our own production. Not only are we using more of the fish and reducing our carbon footprint, but we are also able to create completely new products for our customers. We believe this technology is the future of fish processing, and we were never in doubt about wanting to be an active part of that journey,” says Jari Korhonen, CEO of Kalavapriikki.

Hailia reports that global seafood consumption is projected to rise by 50% by 2050, creating a pressing need for low-carbon protein sources. To meet this growing demand the seafood industry must become more efficient.

While fish sidestreams have typically been used for animal feed or supplements, using an additional 20–40% of the fish for human consumption is a major step forward in both sustainability and nutrition.

Through its licensing model, Hailia allows fish processors to use its technology and equipment directly at their own facilities. With fresh funding and a strategic partnership with engineering firm Dana Technology, Hailia plans to expand globally, enhance its tech, and better serve food producers around the world.

“Engineering is problem solving, and with Hailia, we have been able to solve a huge one. The seafood industry has a tremendous amount of sidestreams, and while they have been used to feed animals or as supplements, they haven’t contributed to global food security. Hailia has changed that completely, and the industry has taken notice. We can’t wait to see where the next steps will take us,” adds Vagn Hansen, CEO of Dana Technology.

About Hailia

Hailia Nordic Oy, founded in 2021, is developing innovative and resource-efficient seafood processing technologies that turn underutilised fish parts into high-value products. The company’s goal is to boost sustainability in the seafood industry by making full use of raw materials that often go to waste.